Ice Hockey Goalkeeper Rules

The official trapezoid rule.

Ice hockey goalkeeper rules. Time to start play. B it is compulsory for all goalkeepers to wear helmets and full facemasks. New since the 2005 06 nhl season after testing in the american hockey league a trapezoid is marked behind each goalie net. The goalie can only play the puck within that area or in front of the goal line.

This book is the singular source for the rules of the game. The official rules of ice hockey is the essential resource for players coaches referees parents and fans. If he plays the puck behind the goal line and not in the trapezoid a 2 minute minor penalty for delay of game will be assessed by the referees. The last thing is the goalie crease this is basically the goalie s home where he has to stop puck before crossing the goalie line.

A with the exception of skates and stick all the equipment worn by the goalkeeper must be constructed solely for the purpose of protecting the head or body and he must not wear any garment or use any contrivance that would give him undue assistance in keeping goal. The goaltender cannot cross the center ice red line that divides the rink in half. This area shall be defined by lines that begin six feet 6 from either goal post and extend diagonally to points twenty eight feet 28 apart at the end boards. The five skaters have assigned positions.

At the beginning of the first period teams line up for a faceoff at center. Regardless of assigned positions all players except the goaltender can go anywhere on the ice. Hanging throat neck laceration protectors are recommended. Teams supporting teams promoting respect and sportsmanship captain s choice of players modified in high school ice hockey.

The goaltender usually plays in or near the area in front of the net called the goal crease often referred to simply as the crease or the net goaltenders tend to stay at or beyond the top of the crease to cut down on. Three forwards and two defensemen. Included are usa hockey s official playing rules and interpretations referee signals and detailed rink diagrams. A play shall be stopped and a last play face off shall occur anytime a player except the goalkeeper closes his hand on the puck and does not immediately drop the puck to the ice.

There are nine faceoff spots on the ice one is in center two in each end zone and four in the neutral zone. A minor penalty for delay of game shall be assessed to any player other than the goalkeeper who picks the puck up from the ice with his hand s while play is in progress. New york toronto the national hockey league s board of governors has approved changes to rule 78 7 ii coach s challenge goaltender interference the league announced today the changes were. Each team has six players on the ice one goaltender and five skaters.